‘The art of gathering environmental data‘ theme at Camp Pixelache covers ecosystem theory, environmental monitoring, and citizen/ participatory science, in the context of open data. How can we support and develop the activities that are already going on in institutions at a more grassroot level, “producing reliable citizen science data”. This sub-theme is designed in collaboration with the Bio Art Society. You can propose a topic for discussion in here.

Jennifer Gabrys' research investigates environments, material processes and communication technologies through theoretical and practice-based work. Projects within this area include a recently published book, Digital Rubbish: A Natural History of Electronics (University of Michigan Press, 2011), which examines the material geographies of electronic waste; and a study currently underway on citizen sensing and environmental change, titled Program Earth: Environment as Experiment in Sensing Technology.

Plenary presentation abstract:

The topic of environmental data is often seen as an area of scientific concern. Empirical study produces observations and measurements that enter data infrastructures, which are the basis for scientific understanding and policy decisions. Yet an increasing number of creative practitioners are working with data, not just to visualize or sonify data in the context of arts-sciences collaborations, but also to question what constitutes data, to experiment with how data are produced, and to recast the relationships that are articulated through data. In a complementary approach, researchers working within science and technology studies have suggested there is a greater need for “data diversity,” and for thinking through the contexts that make data relevant and meaningful. From citizen science projects to animals that gather and relay environmental sense data, and from material transformations of data that generate new political encounters with environmental issues, as well as alternative practices, devices and platforms for harvesting data, this presentation will focus on the ways in which creative practitioners are generating diverse approaches to gathering environmental data. These projects raise questions about who or what data is for, what interpretive practices are productive of data, and what new collectives data might mobilize.

Digital technologies appear to be immaterial and relatively free of resource constraints. Yet as the environmental issue of electronic waste indicates, the material effects of digital media are significant. As one of the fastest growing waste streams, e-waste quantities are generated at approximately 20-25 million tons per year to 35-40 million tons per year. This...

Thursday 10.5. from 18.00-19.30, at Aalto Media Factory, Hämeentie 135 A, Helsinki. Camp Pixelache invited guest Jennifer Gabrys' contributes to Talking Trash(lab) lecture series presenting about the material life of digital media. Digital technologies appear to be immaterial and relatively free of resource constraints. Yet as the environmental issue of electronic waste indicates, the material effects of digital media are significant. As one of the fastest growing waste streams, e-waste quantities are generated at approximately 20-25 million tons per year to 35-40 million tons per year....

In 2012, the Trashlab/Renewable Festivals theme began.This cluster of learning opportunities related to sustainable, low-carbon, renewable use and decentralised production of do-it-ourselves energy. Included for exploration are waste materials, biomass, kinetic-mechanic, solar & wind sources for electricity, as well as alternative human sustenance in our cultural production models, considering change holistically. This theme was proposed by Antti Ahonen (Pixelache member & Koelse.org). In 2013, this project evolved intoTrashlab, which has been a central project of Pixelache since...

Pixelversity's Talking Trash(lab) lecture series continues on 7th June from 17.30 when Peter Kuria Githinji from Shalin Finland talks about”Using absurd ideas to co-create - Addressing an ecosystems challenge through technology.” The idea of co However, how do you design for this fragmented market that is unpredictable and yet very vibrant? Is there a contradiction in the thinking, when the BOP is depicted as desperate, resource rich and poor at the same time?When do absurd ideas count? When do the natural resources become a valued asset to the market? Photo: Tends in energy efficiency:...

We gather at Pub Magneetti, Vallila on Friday 11.11. from 18.00- to discuss what might be the ‘TrashLab’ monthly workshop next year as part of Pixelversity, including ambitions, tool & material needs, & to decide upon it’s name. The event follows on from the gathering that took place at Megapolis2026 on 13.10. Anyone is welcome to join! Keep an ear/eye out for December gathering date.

The upcoming Talking Trash(lab) lecture in November is by Cindy Kohtala (Aalto ARTS Design) on Thursday 15.11. from 17.30-19.00 at Aalto Media Factory. Titled 'Sustainable Maker Culture: Angels and Demons', Kohtala introduces her talk as following: "The Helsinki maker scene is small and fragmented but extremely active. Like everywhere, Finnish actors have different conceptions of what the Maker Movement actually is, and everyone brings in their own practices, motivations, and devils. In my talk I will present the conversations makers are having about fabricating, consuming, producing,...